Lowell police chief announces staff changes

LOWELL -- Police Superintendent William Taylor is not worried that the man who appointed him late last year, Bernie Lynch, is a lame-duck city manager scheduled to resign March 10.

"I have spoken with the new mayor (City Councilor Rodney Elliott) and we both agree that public safety is a top priority in the new year," said Taylor. "I believe the new administration will be very supportive of the Police Department and what we're trying to accomplish."

But Taylor will have a contract, which he and the city agreed to last Friday. And on Tuesday, Taylor announced several personnel moves.

Taylor's first contract covers three years. He will earn nearly $132,000 annually. The new deal also gives Taylor a 2.5 percent increase effective July 1, as well as 12 holidays, six sick days and 30 days of vacation.

However, the contract will not contain language that created a stir with the first person to whom it applied, former Superintendent Kenneth Lavallee.

In exchange for removing the position from the protection of state civil-service statutes, Lynch and Lavallee agreed that if for any reason Lavallee was removed from the superintendent's position, he'd get his old job back as deputy superintendent.

In a June 2012 decision, the state Department of Labor Relations ruled the city violated state law when it signed its pact with Lavallee guaranteeing such protection.

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In its ruling, the state ruled the city should have first bargained with the Lowell Superior Officers Association over the impact such a contract would have on other union members.

The state also determined the city violated state law by dealing directly with a union member, Lavallee, about matters subject to union negotiation.

"I'm very happy with the new contract," said Taylor. "I think it's fair for both sides."

He added, it's "essentially the same" contract Lavallee had, minus the language the state said was illegal.

Taylor on Tuesday also announced eight temporary assignments that take effect Saturday at midnight. Those changes are:

* Capt. Thomas Kennedy, one of three captains that sought the job Taylor now has, was moved from North Sector commander to special assignment.

Kennedy's job will be to update the department's policies and procedures -- "It's our playbook," Taylor said -- and ensure they're implemented.

A driving force behind this assignment has been a series of high-profile personnel matters that have generated negative headlines for the department.

"Capt. Kennedy is also a lawyer, so I believe this is a very good assignment for him," Taylor said.

* The department's top detective, Jonathan Webb, has been moved to commanding officer of the day shift, or Platoon 2.

* Webb will be replaced by Capt. Kevin Sullivan, the East Sector commander.

* Lt. James Hodgdon, currently commanding officer of Administrative Services, will take Sullivan's place in the East Sector.

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